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Kushal Das, General Secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), is certain that East Bengal will definitely join the Indian Super League (ISL), be it this season or from the 2021-22 campaign. But he believes that the Red and Golds must join the top tier when they are absolutely ready to do so and not hasten the process. 

"I am absolutely certain that East Bengal will play ISL - be it this year or next year. If they come in ISL they must come in with a long-term vision and with a proper structure. It took six months for Mohun Bagan and ATK to finalise the deal. It is better to wait for a year. Because the heavens are not going to fall if they play in ISL from next year. They still have an issue with their old partner (Quess Corp). If they manage to resolve it then they are welcome from this season," stated Das during a webinar organised by West Bengal Chamber of Commerce on Indian football. 

When queried if there is a certain deadline for East Bengal to adhere to he replied, "Club licensing starts on July 15. If a new entity comes in then they have to get a lot of NOCs (No Objection Certificates). And this they should get from AFC (Asian Football Confederation). AIFF has nothing to do with it." 

Das congratulated ATK and Mohun Bagan FC for forging a new entity in ATK Mohun Bagan FC and also mentioned that retaining the green and maroon colours is a sensible decision. 

"The induction of Mohun Bagan in ISL is a win-win situation for everyone. The financial firepower of ATK and the legacy and fanbase of Mohun Bagan is a great thing. They have retained the jersey colour. It is a very sensible decision. It is a sad part that they will have to play behind closed doors in this season."

With the uncertainty over the Covid-19 crisis not showing any signs of abating, the ISL and I-League will be held at a centralised venue in the upcoming season. Goa and Kerala have been mooted as potential hosts for ISL, with the former in prime position to hold the competition.

Meanwhile, the I-League matches should be held in Kolkata, as revealed by Goal earlier. 

"As things look, it (ISL & I-League) has to be behind closed doors and in a single venue. We cannot afford to take risks with the players' health. We are still figuring out the details. But that is the only possibility. 

"The final decision is yet to be taken. Goa and Kolkata are the likely destinations. The I-League has to go to Kolkata since YBK will be locked for three months for preparations of WWC and hence ISL cannot take place there."

Das also informed that AIFF hopes to organise the I-League second division in mid-September in a single venue with no spectators in the stadium. 

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA FC) have extended the stay of right-back Ronald Kigongo ahead of the new season.

The Uganda Premier League (UPL) club have confirmed the development on their official website stating by extending the contract, Kigogo will become the second longest-serving player at the club after Saidi Kyeyune, who played for the club for eight years while Kigongo will be at the club for six years.

“Ronald Kigongo has renewed his stay with the tax collectors by further 3 years after his contract expired in June 2020,” the statement by the club revealed.

“URA has triggered a three-year extension on Kigongo’s contract to keep the right back at the club until 2023. Former coach Alex Isabirye signed Kigongo from Maroons FC back in 2014 as a striker and later transformed him into the defender.

“With this contract in place, it means the right-back will be at the club for nine years. Kigongo is the second-longest serving player in the current squad (6 years) with Saidi Kyeyune (8 years) topping the list having also joined the tax collectors from Maroons.”

The stay of the right-back will be good news for URA coach Sam Ssimbwa, who is keen to build a strong squad to challenge for titles next season.

In a recent interview, former URA CEO Ivan Kakembo hit out at Ssimbwa who he described as a man who wanted to be everything at the club.

The two did not have a smooth time during their time at the Kampala-based side and the administrator left the team last December after his contract with the four-time Ugandan Premier League champions expired.

"Nothing brings me together with Ssimbwa but the job, even when I go for a holiday, I will be in Miami in the USA but Ssimbwa will be at Pine," Kakembo told Sanyuka TV.

"What Ssimbwa failed to understand is that he cannot work under organizational structures. He is a coach but wants to be the CEO and everything at the same time."

The 53-year-old former Sofapaka tactician at one point fell out with his star player Steven Bengo while at SC Villa and Kakembo has also commented on the issue.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s angry reaction to being substituted during AC Milan’s 2-2 draw at Napoli on Sunday wasn’t cause for concern for his coach Stefano Pioli.

The Swedish striker was visibly annoyed by Pioli’s decision to take him off, just after Dries Mertens had put Napoli 2-1 up.

Milan equalised through Franck Kessie’s late penalty to continue their six-match unbeaten run since the restart – including impressive wins over the top two, Juventus and Lazio.

“Ibra was angry because we were losing,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

“We had just conceded a goal and he always expects the best from himself and others.”

After having only one shot in the game, losing six of his nine aerial duels and conceding possession six times, Ibrahimovic may also have been frustrated at a below-par individual performance.

Nevertheless, another game unbeaten extended Milan’s good run and kept them in with a chance of a top-six finish – though they remain two points behind sixth-place Napoli.

“It was tough, really tough, as after Lazio and Juventus, we’ve had a really difficult run of games against the best teams in the league, but we showed that we were up to the task,” Pioli said.

“When you get results and put in strong performances against this kind of opponent, it really boosts your confidence.

“We scored a great goal to take the lead, we fought back to equalise and a point is a good result.”

Pioli also agreed with sporting director Paolo Maldini, who suggested Milan had improved because the coronavirus lockdown afforded the coach – who took over from Marco Giampaolo in October – more intensive training time as the squad returned.

“It takes time to get a team working in a smooth way and with everyone aware of what they need to do,” Pioli said.

“We didn’t have the time to achieve that, now we have and the results are positive, so it’s only right that we now raise the bar and keep aiming higher.

“It’s difficult playing every three days, as I had some players at the final whistle tonight who were just wrecked. We’ve got to keep going.

“Naturally, there are going to be some changes on Wednesday [against Parma], as we know there are players who have kept us afloat this far and they need to rest.”

Antoine Griezmann’s struggles at Barcelona in 2019-20 are of no concern to France national team coach Didier Deschamps.

Having long been linked with a big-money move to Camp Nou, the World Cup-winning forward finally saw it happen in the summer of 2019.

Given the success that Griezmann had previously enjoyed at Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, he was expected to thrive in Catalunya.

The 29-year-old has, however, fallen short of expectations, with only 15 goals scored in 46 appearances.

Questions have been asked of his working relationship with Lionel Messi and whether Barca will keep him around if they dip back into the market for another fearsome frontman.

Deschamps, though, claims Griezmann’s quality is “inarguable” and believes a proven performer at the very highest level will come good in time.

He told RTL: “His situation does not worry me.

“I have no doubt over his abilities. They are inarguable.

“All players have a period in a first year at a new club where things are maybe a bit more difficult. He has the mentality to deal with it.”

It could be that Griezmann is not seen again in the current campaign, with an untimely thigh injury having been picked up.

With Barca having just two La Liga games left to play, it is unlikely that the Frenchman will figure in Quique Setien’s plans.

That is set to ramp up the pressure on others, with the Blaugrana refusing to throw in the towel on their title defence.

Real Madrid have edged a point clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand, but a door remains open to Barca.

They are, however, having to chase their ambitious targets with no loyal fan base to cheer them on, with competitive action continuing to take place behind closed doors.

On the absence of supporters from football around the world, Deschamps said: “It is not really football.

“Normally, there are emotions, full stadiums, but today that is not possible. Even for the players, they are missing adrenaline. It is not complete pleasure, it cannot be.”

Barcelona, without Griezmann, will be back in action on Thursday when they face Osasuna at home.

Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo has expressed his delight after returning to action in their pre-season game against Hamilton on Saturday.

Calvin Bassey’s strike cancelled out Ronan Hughes’ opener before Markus Fjortoft scored the match-winner from the penalty spot to hand Steven Gerrard’s men a 2-1 victory.

Super Eagles midfielder Aribo came close to scoring in the encounter when he struck a shot but the effort was blocked by Hamilton's defenders.

The outbreak of coronavirus in March forced football activities to be suspended in Scotland and around the world as many countries imposed a total lockdown to curb the spread of the pandemic.

The 2019-20 Scottish Premiership was subsequently ended abruptly as a result of Covid-19 and the Gers finished second on the league table behind Celtic.

After the Scottish government allowed football activities to return, Rangers immediately kick-started their build-up to the 2020-21 season.

Aribo, who has been part of the preparations, has taken to the social media to express his feelings on his return to action after 17 weeks of inactivity.

“Felt good to be back on the pitch,” Aribo posted on Instagram with his image during the game.

Aribo has been in fine form since joining the Gers last summer after turning down a chance to extend his contract with Charlton Athletic, where he spent two years.

The 23-year-old midfielder scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 45 appearances for the Ibrox Stadium outfit in his debut campaign.

His eye-catching performances earned him a call-up to the Nigeria national team and he has since made four appearances for the three-time African champions.

Aribo will hope to continue his impressive performances for the Gers in their remaining pre-season games.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has been told to teach his side how to win 1-0, with Gus Poyet calling for better “balance” from a Blues team that remain inconsistent at the back.

Those flaws were highlighted once again in their most recent outing as the west London outfit slipped to a 3-0 defeat away at Sheffield United.

That setback has Lampard’s side sweating on Champions League qualification, with a top-four finish far from being wrapped up.

Fate is, however, still in their own hands with three games left to take in, while there remains plenty of potential to unlock heading towards 2020-21.

Poyet hopes Lampard can find a way of getting Chelsea firing on all cylinders, with too many players being carried at times in his debut campaign.

That was the case at Bramall Lane, with a team blessed with a wealth of attacking options unable to find a solution when it comes to keep opponents at arm’s length.

Former Blues star Poyet told Stadium Astro: “We are all different, that’s the good thing about football, we all train in a different way, we all think in a different away.

“For example, myself, even if I like my team to treat the football very well, and pay attention and create attacks, I start my team from the back.

“I make sure that first we are organised, we are tight, we make it difficult for the opposition, we care about not conceding, like our goal is our house, they cannot get in there.

“Sometimes we try to split, he’s an offensive manager, he’s a defensive manager, and there’s nothing in between, but there is. The best teams in the world defend very well and attack very well.

“It’s having the right balance and that’s what I want to see from Chelsea next year – a better balance in their play. More practical sometimes, win 1-0, why not?

“The best teams in the world win leagues winning 1-0 when they are not having a good day. [Sheffield United] was a day for Chelsea to say, ‘we’re not having a good day, let’s make sure we’re solid, we’ve got enough players to score a goal and we win 1-0’.

“I would start with that, to have a better organisation in terms of defending. I’m not going to take out [Kurt] Zouma because he’s a very strong defender. Without going too far, the tackle the other day against Crystal Palace in the last minute, there are not many players who can do that.

“But he was static. He was static in everything. Even in the last goal which everyone will remember for [Antonio] Rudiger not kicking the ball away but he [Zouma] doesn’t even try to stop the cross.

“He’s running but he didn’t even stretch himself, he didn’t even have to stop, it was like he was having one of those days where you’re not feeling well and you’re not really there, concentrating enough.

“In football I say a team can carry one player in a game, two players [more difficult], more than two you can’t carry because the opposition can play. And that’s what happened to Chelsea, there were too many who were not at the level you need to be to win football games.”

Chelsea have moved into third spot in the Premier League table, but they are just a point clear of Leicester and two ahead of a resurgent Manchester United side – who could rise above them with victory over Southampton on Monday.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) General Secretary Kushal Das revealed that the Indian men's national team camp ahead of the World Cup 2022 qualifier match against Qatar will be held in Bhubaneswar.

He also revealed that the Indian FA is in talks with Jharkhand Government over holding the U17 women's national team camp in the state.

During a webinar organised by the West Bengal Chamber of Commerce on the topic 'Future of Indian football post-COVID-19 scenario', Das revealed that the Indian FA has already written to the Odisha government and enquired about the standard operating protocols which are to be followed to arrange the national camp.

"If there is a camp it has to be in Bhubaneswar. We have written to the Odisha government for their suggestions. We are looking to start the camp by the third week of August. Don't know whether a six-week camp is possible. We are still waiting for a response from the Odisha Govt."

The Indian FA are also concerned about the travelling arrangement for the Qatar national team and when the government's regulations regarding international travel will be clear.

"The travel of the Qatar team is another huge issue. From July 15 international flights are supposed to start. Vande Bharat flights have a 14-day quarantine mandatory. I am not sure about the protocols that the Central government will give us. Right now it is a wait and watch approach.

"We have written to MYAS. They also do not have the answers. Once international flights start, we will get the protocols. We will then inform Asian Football Confederation, FIFA, and Qatar."

The AIFF have been on the lookout for venues for the Indian U17 women's team who are set to play in the U17 World Cup which will be held in India next year. The Federation has shortlisted Goa and Jharkhand as destinations to hold the India U-17 women's team's national camp.

"We have discussed it with the Goa government about the camp. Then Jharkhand is also a possibility. Their Chief Minister is very interested. We would like to start by August first week or latest by August 15. Precious Dede (goalkeeping coach) is still in Goa. Alex Ambrose will take charge in the absence of Dennerby. But I hope by August 15 he can travel back to India," said the AIFF General Secretary.

"Jharkhand's project is being led by the Chief Minister himself. We are waiting for their response. They have excellent facilities in the state and 8-10 girls are there in the state. And since it is led by Chief Minister, we are hopeful that the protocols that they will lay down will be manageable."

The Chairperson of the Caf Organizing Committee for women’s football Isha Johansen has explained the motive behind the decision to create the Women's Champions League.

The African football body announced plans to start a women's club competition in 2021, the same day it also confirmed the cancellation of the 2020 Africa Women's Cup of Nations.

The outrage and continental-wide condemnation that followed the 2018 Awcon scrapping has since been addressed by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) president, citing varying factors.

The 55-year-old also revealed the inauguration of the Champions Lague was not as a replacement for the Awcon but to compel associations to invest in women's football.

"We've had two women's symposia in Caf and there was a spate cry for the Women's Champions League to start," Johansen said in an interview with Caf made available to Goal.

"Everybody wants to see more of women's football to play and get the girls more exposure and more experience. And this was a welcoming idea. We did not really have the platform then, but now we do. 

"It's always been on the cards. Now we are ready, even though it is strange times. It is not going to be replacing the women's Awcon and the domestic women's leagues. 

"With the Women's Champions League, member associations will be compelled to improve the level of their domestic leagues in order to be eligible to participate. They will have to up their game and increase their participation."

In November, women's football stakeholders launched a four-year women's football strategy blueprint at a workshop in Egypt, which the Caf Executive Committee later gave its seal of approval.

In June, Fifa announced a coronavirus relief plan for world football, offering member associations a universal solidarity grant of $1m, with an additional $500,000 grant specifically for women’s football. 

With the latest financial support, the Sierra Leone FA boss is confident women's football will enjoy improved investment across the continent, especially in various women's domestic leagues.

"Caf is giving our financial support to the MAs during the Covid-19 and Fifa recently just announced 500,000 dollars for women's football to every member association [MA]," she continued.

"This will go a very long way in helping the women's domestic leagues. There is a recent survey which confirmed that over 30 MAs have women's leagues. This is a very good start to build on.

"If 30 MAs are working towards a vibrant and appreciable women's league or women's football in their country, the remaining which is less than half will also follow suit. 

"Caf and Fifa are ever ready to support member associations in the development of women's football. It is a great time for us, strange and abnormal times but we should also not forget that women's football is a normal thing and we will not allow Covid-19 or the abnormal times to erode the normality of things. 

"We are going to raise our game, we will change our narrative in the game as women in football, players and administrators. I think, now is the time that we should look ahead and look forward and all come on board participating to push our women's game forward on the continent." 

Six North Rift Counties have endorsed Sam Nyamweya as their preferred Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential candidate.

In a meeting held on Sunday, leaders from West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet agreed in unison to support the administrator in his bid to return to football management in the country.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the resolve is stronger than before," read a joint statement from the leaders and obtained by Goal .

"We are pleased to announce to you after a full day of discussions and deliberations, we, as members of Upper Rift have resolved to endorse Sam Nyamweya as our preferred choice.  

"The meeting was graced by our FKF National Executive Council member Evans Rono.  

"Mr Sam Nyamweya joined us via video and addressed his people. Our people, let regions meet and chat for the way forward, the time is now."

During Nyamweya's tenure, Kenya won the right to host the 2018 Chan competition but the country was stripped of the privilege after his exit from office and the current regime under incumbent Nick Mwendwa failed to convince the government to finish the stadiums selected to host the tournament.

The administrator has also revealed other achievements realised during his era.

"I left when Kenya was ranked 90th on the Fifa rankings and, during my entire time in office, there was no time we were ranked below the 100 mark. Now, we are ranked 107," Nyamweya said in an earlier interview.  

"The national team players were covered by UAP Insurance. All of them were covered and there were no complaints of failure of treatment."

On the current grandstanding between FKF and the Kenyan Premier League, Nyamweya revealed the strategy he used to solve such issues at the time.

"FKF and KPL always worked out their differences through negotiations. Anytime there was a misunderstanding I would call Ambrose Rachier [then KPL chairman] so that we could sit and iron out issues.

"The joint Executive Committee was meeting at least once every two weeks.

"It is now two years since the current members met that is why you can see everything is in disarray."

Nyamweya also took credit for the fact that a number of Kenyans served in key positions in international events or bodies during his tenure.

"I can remember that I also pushed a number of our officials to join the Caf Executive Committee and one of them was Doris Petra who was a representative in the Women Committee. Robert Asembo served in the Caf's Constitutional Committee," he concluded.

"I am proud of the two. Aden Marwa served during the 2014 World Cup courtesy of my lobbying efforts and you know that is not an easy task.

"All these [achievements] are there to be seen."

The date for elections is yet to be made public but already several candidates have come out to confirm their interest in the top seat.

Apart from Nyamweya, those keen for the top seat include former Cecafa Secretary Nicholas Musonye, Herbert Mwachiro, Gor Mahia CEO Omondi Aduda, former NEC member Twaha Mbarak, former Vihiga Governor Moses Akaranga and Sammy Shollei.

National Super League (NSL) side Nairobi Stima have confirmed their dissolution after their sponsor Kenya Power and Lighting Company withdrew.

In a letter sent to players confirming the termination of their respective contracts, the club confirmed it was doing so as it dissolves following KPLC’s financial withdrawal as their sponsor.

Kenya Power had informed the clubs; Nairobi Stima and its NSL rival Coast Stima as well as the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) team Western Stima of its intention to terminate existing sponsorship deals.

“This is to inform you that your contract with Nairobi Stima Welfare Football Club is terminated from June 30 as per clause 2.1 termination by the club part e. [without notice or payment in lieu of the notice when the club is dissolved as a result of the withdrawal of the sponsorship by the sponsor,” a letter to an affected player and obtained by Goal on Monday read in part.

“We want to thank you for the services rendered to the club.”

When KPL informed the clubs of the intention to cut sponsorship deals, the state-owned company said their business had gone down thus they are unable to meet their sponsorship obligations to the teams.

Nairobi Stima chairman Johnstone Sakwa told Goal on Monday they have scheduled a meeting in the week to deliberate on the unfolding issues.

“We have a meeting lined up on the way forward. KPLC has been supporting us since 2000 and to be honest, they have helped us a lot. It is unfortunate things are happening like these,” Sakwa said.

“The company could not sustain us considering currently there are no games ongoing.”

“We were told the team has no money to sustain our services and we have no option but to accept the decision and move on. We hope that we will get new teams and develop our careers,” one of the affected players told Goal.

Nairobi Stima had enjoyed a rather good run in the second tier as they finished fifth with 35 points when Football Kenya Federation (FKF) cancelled the leagues in May.

In the 2018/19 season, they lost to Posta Rangers in the two-legged KPL play-offs.

As Nairobi Stima stand dissolved, Coast Stima confirmed on Monday they have secured a shirt sponsor with a deal that may help them remain afloat and participate in the 2020/21 season.

Liverpool may be reluctant to spend in the next transfer window, but Jamie Carragher feels another two additions would aid efforts to defend the club’s Premier League title in 2020-21.

Shrewd investment over recent years has helped the Reds to domestic and continental glory.

The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Mohamed Salah have become key components in Jurgen Klopp’s well-oiled machine.

With dominance being enjoyed at home and abroad, it is difficult to see how a star-studded squad could be improved.

Liverpool are also having to carefully manage their finances during the coronavirus pandemic, with even the richest teams on the planet being hit hard.

Carragher, though, believes Klopp should be adding to his ranks, with the Reds legend telling the Liverpool Echo: “The obvious thing is to win again.

“I wouldn't say 'one title is not enough' as I am not a big believer in saying you have to do this or that. If you isolate a season and say you were the best team in the league that season, end of story.

“Now next season, things change. People get bought, players get sold, it's a different league. Now I don't think Liverpool themselves are going to head into the transfer market and it will only be next year when we can say if that was right or wrong.

“But most of the reasons financially are down to the situation that we are in right now, so you can't be too critical of the club on that score. But I think what they have now - I would still like them if they possibly could to add an attacking talent to the front three.

“And maybe add some sort of back-up for Andy Robertson. They are well stocked in midfield and centre-back, I think Neco Williams will be great cover for Trent (Alexander-Arnold) and I just think an extra attacker and possibly looking at (Adam) Lallana and (Xherdan) Shaqiri moving on, so maybe just an extra couple of bodies in there.

"But I am confident Liverpool can do again what they have done this season."

Klopp’s presence at Anfield is a major contributing factor to Carragher’s confidence when it comes to future success, with the German tactician having shown that he deserves to stand alongside the greats.

The former Reds defender added on a coach who was acquired back in October 2015 when Liverpool were crying out for inspiration: “The thing about coming in at Liverpool at that time, the people who Klopp and the club were competing against were financially stronger. They had some of the top managers in the world, too. We shouldn't forget that.

“Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham, Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, Arsene Wenger was still at Arsenal when Klopp took over too.

“So you always have to remember that all these managers had experience and knowledge of the Premier League when Jurgen Klopp didn't. Maybe Guardiola was slightly different but he was taking over a better team and had a lot more financial support from the club if you like.

“To do the job he has done, I think it is one of the great jobs in the Premier League if you look at the clubs who have won it, financially. If you look at when Chelsea won it and they had the backing of Roman Abramovich, Manchester City under Roberto Mancini and then Manuel Pellegrini, but I don't think that was always there for Liverpool.”

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane isn't resting on his laurels as he continues to study toward obtaining his Caf Pro License. 

According to the Brazilians, Mosimane is juggling both the training camp in Rustenburg with his coaching studies. 

The 55-year-old mentor would have been in Morocco had it not been for the coronavirus lockdown which has seen the travelling restrictions in and out of the country and he's currently studying online.  

In an interview with the Sundowns media team, Mosimane expressed delight to be in the company of great coaches from across the African continent. 

He also spoke highly of the knowledge shared by Belgium national team coach and former Everton manager Roberto Martinez. 

"I’m in the company of other great coaches from the African continent. Earlier today’s presentation was done by Belgium’s national team head coach, Roberto Martinez. We got to understand how he worked to make the Belgian Red Devils the number one ranked team in the world," said Mosimane.

Jamal Sellami of Raja Casablanca, AS Vita Club's Florent Ibenge and FUS Rabat manager Walid Regragui are some of the coaches also taking part in the course.  

Mosimane is one of the most respected coaches in Africa after guiding the Tshwane giants to the Caf Champions League title in 2016. 

He was also named Caf Coach of the Year in 2017 before masterminding Sundowns' victory over TP Mazembe in the Caf Super Cup in 2017.

The Kagiso-born mentor has won a whopping nine trophies since his arrival at Chloorkop in December 2012. 

Mosimane is one of the four coaches to have won four league titles in the PSL era; all of which came with Sundowns over the past six years. 

Meanwhile, Sundowns confirmed that performance analysts Musi Matlaba and Mario Masha are also studying toward obtaining their Uefa C Licences. 

The pair are studying with the Scottish Football Association (SFA).   

And according to the club, Mosimane is encouraging members of his technical team to enhance themselves with knowledge by studying further. 

One of Mosimane's technical team members who's also passionate about equipping himself with knowledge is none other than Rhulani Mokwena who visited Liverpool at the start of the year. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is aware that Manchester United have “achieved nothing so far” under his tutelage, but the Norwegian is determined to reward the patience he has been shown with major silverware.

A familiar face was returned to Old Trafford in December 2018 after the Red Devils took the decision to part with Jose Mourinho.

Having overseen an upturn in fortune while filling an interim post, Solskjaer was handed a three-year contract by a club he had previously helped to Treble glory in his playing days.

One of the most demanding roles in world football has provided plenty of tests to a relatively unproven coach, but a recent improvement in form has been enjoyed.

Expectation levels are now rising again at the Theatre of the Dreams, with United currently enjoying a 17-game unbeaten run, but Solskjaer acknowledges that nothing has been achieved yet.

He told Sky Sports ahead of a meeting with Southampton on Monday: “Of course, when you keep getting results and you can see progress in the way we play, you are happy. Then again, we've had to have this run to be in a chance to achieve what we want to achieve this season, because we've achieved nothing so far.

“We haven't won any trophies. But success going forward is to keep improving the team, keep developing, because it is not the destination that is the measure of success, really, it is what we do.

“With results, you can't always say that life is fair, because it isn't. Sometimes you don't get the result you deserve in football, but if we keep doing the right things, improving every single day, then we will end up hopefully as a successful Manchester United team.”

Solskjaer has been backed by his board to help 13-time Premier League champions United recapture former glories.

Patience is a commodity that can be in short supply in modern football, with the man calling the shots at Old Trafford pleased to see his club showing long-term vision.

Solskjaer added: “We went through some difficult spells, especially around that time in October, and the club have been very good with us, they've kept in touch with us and have seen and known what we're doing, and they've believed in what we're doing.

“We were allowed to keep making the decisions without thinking about what could have been. They knew our ambition, what we want here, the environment we want here, which will then be the foundation for moving up the table.”

United, who remain in the hunt for FA Cup and Europa League glory this season, will clamber into the Premier League’s top four if they can overcome the Saints on home soil.

Major League Soccer (MLS) has postponed Victor Wanyama's expected second league tie against Toronto FC to July 16.

The Kenyan and Montreal Impact were to face Toronto on July 15 but MLS announced the tie had been given another date on Sunday.

The change of date was occasioned by Toronto’s opening match postponement against DC United, which was scheduled for July 12, being moved to July 13 due to MLS’s health and safety protocol that both teams must follow.

“Major League Soccer announced on Sunday night that the match between DC United and Toronto FC, which was postponed earlier on Sunday, will now be played on Monday at 9 am,” MLS statement read.

“Under the league’s health and safety protocols, clubs are tested the day before each match. The results of yesterday’s (July 11) tests for DC United and Toronto FC produced an initial unconfirmed positive Covid-19 case for one player and an inconclusive test for another player.

“Both teams participated in another round of testing on Sunday, and all players from the two clubs tested negative. Based on those results, the game will be played Monday morning at 9 am ET.

“The player who tested positive and the player whose test was inconclusive will undergo additional testing and will not play in tomorrow’s match.

“Additionally, the timing has been adjusted for three further MLS is Back Tournament games. The game between Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact, originally scheduled for July 15 at 8 pm ET, will now take place on July 16 at 8 pm ET.

“DC United's second game of the competition, against the New England Revolution, originally scheduled for July 16 at 8 pm ET, will now take place on July 17 at 8 pm ET.

“Finally, San Jose Earthquakes vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC will now be played at 9 pm ET on Wednesday, July 15.”

Wanyama’s debut in the MLS saw his side lose 1-0 to New England Revolution and led to his coach Thierry Henry questioning their desire.

“If you don't fight and you don't win battles, you don't even need to talk about tactics. It's about desire. I'm not questioning their desire, but it wasn't there [on July 9]. Hopefully, it will be there against Toronto,” Henry said after the loss.

“We didn't know where we would be physically for this game, but it's not an excuse. One thing I tell my team all the time is to fight. But that did not happen tonight, and we need to rectify that against Toronto.”

Mikel Arteta kept his cards close to his chest when asked about Mesut Ozil’s future at Arsenal on Sunday.

The Germany international was once again missing from the Gunners squad as they lost 2-1 away at north London rivals Tottenham to drop down to ninth in the Premier League.

Ozil hasn’t made a single appearance since football resumed in June, making the squad only twice before being left out entirely with a mysterious back problem.

“He is still in the same positions he was last week or two weeks ago and we said we will manage everything internally,” Arteta said when asked about Ozil’s future.

“I have nothing to say.”

Arteta has been praised for his no-nonsense attitude with the likes of Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi in recent weeks, insisting that players need to ‘get on the boat’ if they wish to remain at the club.

The Spaniard recently said that there would always be a place for a player of Ozil’s quality at the Emirates Stadium, suggesting he could yet have a future at the club.

Questions remain around the Gunners’ defenders, with another defensive error costing them against Spurs.

Sead Kolasinac’s mistake allowed Heung-min Son to equalise soon after Alexandre Lacazette’s stunning opener.

After the game, Arteta was asked if such inconsistency could allow Rob Holding a chance to return to the side and impress. But, after a recent unbeaten run, he didn’t seem overly concerned.

“Sometimes it’s the position, sometimes it’s the momentum of the players, when we don’t concede in three or four games in a row everything is really positive,” Arteta explained.

“Obviously when you concede two goals like today… [people ask] why are we not playing someone else?

“Rob has done really well when we’ve demanded him to play and he will be ready to play when we demand him to do so I’m sure.”

Sunday’s defeat put another nail in the coffin of any lingering European hopes Arsenal were still clinging onto.

Level on points with 10th-placed Burnley with three games to play, things aren’t getting any easier as they host champions Liverpool on Wednesday, before their FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester City.